Infusion set and/or patch pump having at least one of an in-dwelling rigid catheter with flexible features and/or a flexible catheter attachment

Abstract

An infusion set, patch pump, or elements thereof, having an exemplary catheter (14) provided with one or more channels, grooves and coatings (24, 34, 44), configured and arranged to provide a degree of strength and flexibility. The catheter (14) can also have an exemplary flexible union with the hub (12) having at least one of a ball-and-socket joint (66, 68), a sliding plate (86), and a flexible bushing (106), and which is sealed to allow even further movement of the catheter (14) while preventing leakage of medication through the junction. In doing so, a number of benefits associated with the use of rigid materials in catheter construction can be provided while at the same time, benefits associated with the use of flexible materials in catheter construction and/or flexible engagement with the hub can also be provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An in-dwelling catheter, comprising:
 a flexible helical coil comprising an axial passage extending from a proximal end of the coil to a distal end of the coil, 
 a sleeve covering the flexible helical coil; and 
 the flexible helical coil terminating in a beveled sharp distal tip comprising a concave outwardly facing rounded surface, wherein the beveled sharp distal tip extends through a plurality of windings of the flexible helical coil, and wherein the tip is offset from a central axis of the axial passage; 
 wherein the concave outwardly facing rounded surface curves around an axis that is angled obliquely relative to the axial passage. 
 
     
     
       2. The in dwelling cannula of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises a flexible coating applied to the flexible helical coil. 
     
     
       3. The in dwelling cannula of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is water tight. 
     
     
       4. The in dwelling cannula of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises Teflon. 
     
     
       5. The in dwelling cannula of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises Vialon. 
     
     
       6. The in dwelling cannula of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible helical coil is a torsion spring. 
     
     
       7. The in-dwelling catheter of  claim 1 , wherein the concave outwardly facing rounded surface has a predetermined radius.